Chef Cory Bahr: Food with a Sense of Place and Community

Raised by his grandparents, Cory faced a pivotal moment when he had to leave school in the ninth grade to care for his ailing grandmother. He never returned to complete his education, nor did he attend culinary school. On the surface, the odds against his success seemed insurmountable, but while he may have abandoned his formal education for his grandmother, she gave him so much more in return. Her expertise as a caterer, her innate hospitality, and her genuine warmth imparted upon him the skills that would later propel his career and establish his businesses.

In his younger years, Cory felt the pull of bigger cities and brighter prospects, but he quickly realized that no other place would ever truly be home. His love for his craft is only matched by his deep affection for the place where he practices it. Whenever he speaks of his own success, he immediately attributes it to the people, the food, and the very essence of Louisiana. Although he has lived and worked in many shining cities, it is the warm glow of his home state that consistently draws him back, like the welcoming light of a front porch.  

Today, when he isn't immersed in the kitchen, devising new menu items, or engaging with his staff and guests, you’ll likely find Cory indulging in yet another great love that Louisiana has bestowed upon him—the land itself. As an avid hunter and fisher, there is no better place to call home than Louisiana's Sportsman's Paradise. As a chef, there is no greater pleasure than sourcing ingredients from his own backyard.  

While acknowledging that Louisiana and his local community face significant challenges, such as the food gap, Cory remains hopeful. He finds inspiration in the city's entrepreneurial spirit, its young and ambitious mayor, and the emerging generation. Recognizing the importance of supporting these bright minds and their innovative ideas, Cory actively contributes to helping them thrive and nurturing their ambitions.

In addition to being an inspirational figure for young entrepreneurs, Cory finds various ways to give back to the community that has steadfastly supported him throughout the years. When natural disasters like tornadoes wreak havoc on the area, Cory and his team step up by providing thousands of free meals to those in need. They lend a helping hand in clearing wreckage from damaged homes, and during the pandemic, they extended their support to first responders by offering free food. Whenever the community requires assistance, they can always rely on Cory's unwavering support, as he operates his business with an open-hearted approach.